Factors related to nurses' beliefs regarding pain assessment in people living with dementia

AimTo evaluate registered nurses' beliefs and related factors regarding pain assessment in people living with dementia.DesignA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2022 and April 2023.MethodsAn online survey comprised of demographics, knowledge scale, and beliefs scale relating to pain assessment in dementia was distributed to registered nurses (RNs) caring for people living with dementia in Australia.ResultsRNs (N = 131) completed the survey. Most respondents were females (87.0%) and self-identified as Caucasian (60.3%). The mean beliefs score was 72.60 (+/- 6.39) out of a maximum possible score of 95. RNs' beliefs about pain assessment varied based on their education, dementia pain assessment knowledge, nursing experience, and ethnicity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed factors significantly related to the beliefs score (i.e. education and dementia pain assessment knowledge).ConclusionThe relationship between education and knowledge, and the beliefs score indicates the potential to improve RNs' knowledge and overcome their erroneous beliefs about pain assessment in dementia.Implications for the profession and/or patient careEducation and training in assessing pain in people living with dementia should be tailored to overcome RNs' misconceived beliefs. These programmes should be integrated into continuous learning programmes.ImpactSome RNs' beliefs about pain assessment in dementia were not evidence-based, and knowledge and educational status were the strongest factors related to RNs' beliefs. RNs' erroneous beliefs about pain assessment in dementia need to be addressed to improve pain assessment and management. Researchers should explore the potential of educational interventions to overcome RNs' misconceived beliefs about pain assessment in dementia.Reporting MethodThis study was reported adhering to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist.Patient or Public ContributionRNs caring for people living with dementia participated as survey respondents. Additionally, RNs were involved in the pre-testing of the study's survey instrument.